The EIU view

The government of the People's Democratic Movement, led by Sharlene Cartright Robinson, will be preoccupied with reconstruction efforts following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. The government will also work to fulfill campaign pledges, such as boosting the employment of native islanders. Despite the challenges of reconstruction, booming tourist arrivals will support economic growth in 2019-20.

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UK approves delayed budget
The budget forecast assumes that fiscal revenue in 2019/20 will rise to US$301m—up from a budget figure of US$280m in 2018/19—and current spending of US$254m.

Country set for construction boom
It will be driven by public and private investment. The surge in building is expected to create labour shortages, especially for skilled workers, which will drive up costs.

Brakes applied to immigrant workers
Stricter enforcement of work permit limits has been announced. This will particularly affect skilled foreign workers, but we expect a pragmatic approach.